Check your gear – Go through your daypack and make sure you still have all of the 10-basic hiking essentials packed and in working order. Spring is also a good time to look through your first aid kit and refresh and disposable items.
Waterproof your boots – Spring hiking usually means mud and snow so a good waterproofing is in order to start the season. Best to do this a few days before your hike.
Research trail and road conditions – Local ranger stations, outfitters, avalanche centers and trail clubs are good sources of information on trail and road conditions.
Assess your route finding skills – Snowed over trails can be disorienting. Make sure you pack and KNOW HOW TO USE a map and compass. Many areas have no cell service.
Be prepared. Dress in layers and pack extra. It’s said that spring is when it’s winter in the shade and summer in the sun. It may feel warm when you set out, but conditions can change quickly. Pack spare warm layers and rain gear. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, and lots of water and snacks. Traction devices are always recommended when walking on ice and snow.
Check the weather forecast. Weather can change quickly, especially if you are visiting higher elevation.
Know trail conditions before your start.
Discuss your plans with family, friends, and staff at visitor centers. Make sure someone knows where you are and when to expect your return.
Currently highway 2 is closed at Big Pines due to the Bridge Fire.
For current highway conditions, contact Caltrans 1-800-427-7623 or click here.
As of March 13, 2025, Angeles National Forest Fire Danger is downgraded to “Very High”.
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. This Order is effective from March 14, 2025, through March 1, 2026.
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. This Order is effective from March 14, 2025, through March 1, 2026.
Building, maintaining, attending, or using a wood or charcoal fire outside of a developed recreation site. 36 C.F.R. §261.52(a).
Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is cleared of all flammable material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun, except in the authorized public shooting ranges listed in Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(m).
For more information, please visit the ANF website.
The Bridge Fire closures are still in effect, meaning that the majority of the trails in the Big Pines area are closed.
For the latest information regarding this Forest Service closure, please click here.
Other local areas that offer hiking:
(All mileage from Big Pines Visitor Center)
Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area and Nature Center
A geological wonder where two faults collide encompassing 1,310 acres.
21 miles
28000 Devils Punchbowl Rd, Valeyermo, CA
7.5 mile out and back moderate trail to Devil’s Chair, 1,463 ft elevation gain. Other trails available.
Day Use.
Saddleback Butte State Park
30 miles
17102 E Ave J, Lancaster, CA
3.8 mile out and back moderate trail. 1,010 ft elevation gain.
4.8 mile out and back difficult trail. 1,010 ft elevation gain.
Day use.
Parking $60.
Mormon Rocks
16 miles
7198 Highway 138, Phelan, CA
Sandstone formation along fault line
Rock climbing
1.0 mile easy loop trail; 137 ft elevation gain.
Parking: Adventure pass required.
The entire Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountain National Monument are temporarily closed for public safety and the protection of natural resources through Friday, January 31, 2025, at 12:00 midnight. This closure is tied to critical fire danger. During this time, the following acts are prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument:
1. Going into or being upon the Angeles National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).
2. Being on any National Forest System Road within the Angeles National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
3. Being on any National Forest System Trail within the Angeles National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).
For more information, please visit the ANF website.
The entire Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountain National Monument are temporarily closed for public safety and the protection of natural resources through Friday, January 24, 2025, at 12:00 midnight. This closure is tied to critical fire danger. During this time, the following acts are prohibited within the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument:
1. Going into or being upon the Angeles National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).
2. Being on any National Forest System Road within the Angeles National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
3. Being on any National Forest System Trail within the Angeles National Forest. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).
For more information, please visit the ANF website.
Big Pines Visitor Centeris currently open! Beginning October 18, the visitor center will re-open Saturdays, Sundays, and some holidays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Come in to see our displays – including taxidermied bear, mountain lion, and other animals and items from our area, and get information regarding hiking, camping, and the forest. It’s free and the volunteers are eager to help you!
There are limited trails & amenities open in the Big Pines Area.
Vincent Gap parking lot, Inspiration Point Vista, Grassy Hollow, Blue Ridge Road, Blue Ridge Campground, Guffy Campground, and Lupine Campground remain closed due to the Bridge Fire Closure
CLOSED NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TRAILS
BLUE RIDGE
JACKSON FLAT GEOLOGICAL
PCT GRASSY HOLLOW
PCT WRIGHT MT TO INSPIRATION P
SOUTH HAWKINS TRAIL
BALDY BOWL TRAIL
DEVILS BACKBONE TRAIL
MT. BALDY TRAIL
BEAR CANYON LOOP TRAIL
EAGLE MINE TRAIL
GOLD DOLLAR TRAIL
EAST FORK TRAIL
HEATON FLATS TRAIL
ALLISON MINE TRAIL
JACKSON LAKE
HAWKINS RIDGE TRAIL
ACORN
NORTH DEVILS BACKBONE TRAIL
MINE GULCH
PRAIRIE FORK
Weather: Fall here. Days are cool/warm and nights are getting cold. Dress in layers. Wear hats and sunscreen. Bring and drink LOTS of water.
Snakes: Rattlesnakes are out. Stay on trails, stay out of tall grass, and always wear closed-toe shoes.
Road conditions and status: visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles – Alerts & Warnings Bridge Fire Area Closure for forest road closures; contact CalTrans at 800-427-7623 or their website for the latest on State Route 2, and check LA County’s Road Conditions website for the latest on N-4, aka Big Pines Hwy. Always watch for rock and debris.
Parking: park legally! – follow posted signage; do not park car over foglines/infringing on roadways.
Camping: As of 9/21/24 All USFS-managed campsites are currently closed. USFS-managed: Blue Ridge, Guffy, and Lupine Campgrounds (first come, first served requiring the Adventure Pass or an Interagency Federal Pass) are closed due to the Bridge Fire.
MtHigh.com is the concessionaire managing all other campsites, picnic areas, and parking lots in the Big Pines Area and have their own fee/pass program. (Exception: an Adventure Pass is required for parking at the Blue Ridge Trailhead parking lot.)
Trash: When there are no trash cans or they are full, please take your trash home with you!
Fire Restrictions: Check ANF website for current fire level status – including campfire prohibitions. Campfire permits can be acquired any time on line or at the Big Pines Visitor Center on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Clarification: the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center building had reopened as part of the Big Pines concessionaire-managed area. Sad to report, the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center burned down in the fire. (Remember: the Volunteers and their displays – including the bear and mountain lion – moved from the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center to the Big Pines Visitor Center a few years ago. BPVC survived the fire.)
As you discover other areas of the ANF, please be careful and Thank you for protecting our forest.
Spring is here.
High”.